Philosophy (PHIL) 375

Overview

Philosophy 375 addresses core issues in philosophy of the environment and environmental ethics. The course is designed to familiarize students with issues concerning world view (cosmology), value conflicts, epistemology (ways of knowing) and principles involved in conflicts over our relationship with the environment. Policy issues such as sustainability and conservation are addressed in this light. Central issues addressed are anthropocentrism vs. ecocentrism, the intrinsic vs. the instrumental value of the environment, historical shifts and cross-cultural tensions involving world view, to name a few. The breadth of issues examined is indicative of the introductory nature of the course. But, as a senior-level course, a certain degree of understanding argument structures and principles and an ability to develop arguments is expected; the pedagogical focus is on developing principled arguments in support of a position on some issue addressed in the course. Students are strongly advised to take a junior-level philosophy course before registering in Philosophy 375.

Outline

Unit 1: Introduction

Unit 2: World Views: Historical-Ptolemaic Universe and Greco-Christian Cosmology

Unit 3: World Views: Modern

Unit 4: World Views: Alternative and Ecological

Unit 5: Classical Anthropocentrism

Unit 6: Ecocentrism: Intrinsic Value, Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, Social Ecology

Unit 7: Value Theory: Ethical Obligations?

Unit 8: Sustainable Development and Sustainability

Evaluation

To receive credit for PHIL 375, you must submit all assignments and achieve a composite course grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assign 1: General Theme	Assign 2: Five Journal Entries	Assign 3: Position Paper	Assign 4: Case Study	Total
10%	15%	35%	40%	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Students registering in the individualized study, print-based version receive the following materials.

Morito, Bruce. 2002. Thinking Ecologically: Environmental Thought, Values and Policy. Halifax, NS: Fernwood Books.

Philosophy 375: Philosophy of the Environment—Student Manual. 2003. Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University.

Philosophy 375: Philosophy of the Environment—Study Guide. 2003. Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University.

Philosophy 375: Philosophy of the Environment—Reading File. 2003. Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University.

Online Version

Students registering in the individualized study, online version receive the following materials.

Morito, Bruce. 2002. Thinking Ecologically: Environmental Thought, Values and Policy. Halifax, NS: Fernwood Books.

Philosophy 375: Philosophy of the Environment CD—Reading File. 2003. Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University.

Before registering in the individualized study, online version of Philosophy 375, students should ensure that they have the minimum computer hardware and software required. In addition to the minimum requirements listed there, students must have a CD-ROM drive, a Windows 98® or a later operating system, and suitable word-processing software. Students may also access the online version of this course using a Macintosh® platform. The minimum requirements are a Power Macintosh® with a Mac OS 9® or later operating system, a CD-ROM drive, an Internet connection and suitable word-processing software.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the PHIL 375 challenge registration, you must achieve an overall grade of at least “D” (50 percent).

Essay 1	Essay 2	Total
60%	40%	100%

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form